The Children's Forest in Horsens
Close to Torsted and the new Horsens district of Østerhåb lies a long, narrow strip of forest, perfect for short hikes. A walking trail runs through the entire forest, and although the forest is far from deep, you still get a sense of being immersed in nature and the deep, quiet tranquillity of the woods.
Looking for hidden nature experiences in the Horsens area?
In the midst of a quiet residential neighbourhood, in the southern part of the city, this fine natural area lies well hidden in the landscape. From the entrance pathways, Børneskoven doesn't look like much, resembling the other countless paths connecting this part of the city. It does, however, give you a feeling of being far away from city life – perfect for a short Sunday Walk with the family.
The trail through Børneskoven is 1.4 kilometres long. It runs from Thorsgårdsvej, near Torsted Square, to Østerhåbsvej. Along the way, the character of the forest changes several times, with different types of trees. Close to the end of the path at Østerhåbsvej, there is a grassy hill with a stone at the top. From here, you get a good view of the new district of Østerhåb.
Why is it called ‘Børneskoven’ (translates to ‘forest of the children’)?
The place has adopted its special name from a great initiative. Every year between 2001 and 2005, the then-mayor of Horsens invited the parents of all newborn children in Horsens to come and plant a tree in honour of their child – and the environment. At that time, 600-700 children were born annually in Horsens, so it quickly became a proper forest as well as a popular natural area for residents in the southern part of the city.
Is 1.4 kilometres too short?
The area contains many paths, with several other places connected to them. For example, you can walk back through the open area just west of Børneskoven, which runs parallel with the forest.
The path through Børneskoven goes by the relatively newly built Østerhåb Church, a small trail leading down to the church. If you turn away from the church, a path leads to the village of Hatting, where you can see how close Hatting is to merging with Horsens.
At the end of the path at Østerhåbsvej, you may cross the road, go a bit to the right, and continue through the forest on the other side of Østerhåbsvej. This forest leads to Sverigesvej, close to another natural area, Torsted Engsø.
Suggestions for forest hikes
Do you want inspiration for other hikes in the forests of this neighbourhood? On this page, you find suggestions for other forests, well-suited for hiking.